*2nd Shift’s Oktoberfest/St. Louis Magazine*

St. Louis Oktoberfest beer releases are making an early appearance this summer, as local breweries bring Märzen-style lagers to market weeks ahead of traditional fall festivals. While it may seem premature, brewers say the timing is driven by retail strategy and consumer demand.

August is prime time for retailers to set up fall-themed shelves, and if Oktoberfest beers aren’t ready, they risk being replaced by pumpkin ales and winter seasonals. “It’s a 365 beer,” says 2nd Shift Brewing co-owner Libby Crider. “Crisp enough for hot weather, roasty enough when it cools down. Drink it when it tastes good.”

2nd Shift Brewing’s Refined 2025 Release

This year marks the sixth Oktoberfest release for 2nd Shift Brewing. Their 2025 version (5.0% ABV) is on tap and in cans now, with statewide distribution. Brewed in May to meet early demand, the beer offers a crisp, medium-bodied profile with biscuit malt, candied orange peel, and floral hop notes. More than 5,000 gallons were preordered in Missouri alone, making it the brewery’s largest Oktoberfest batch yet.

“We eased up on the malt bomb this year,” Crider explains. “It’s just really clean. Our brewers absolutely nailed it.”

Other Early Arrivals

Several St. Louis and metro-area breweries have already tapped or canned their Oktoberfest offerings:

• Schlafly Beer debuted its clean, toasty Märzen (5.5% ABV) on July 27. Brewed with German malts and hops, it remains a seasonal favorite in bottles, cans, and draft.
• Excel Brewing Co. (Breese, Illinois) released its German-style Märzen (5.5% ABV), brewed with Vienna, Munich, and Melanoidin malts plus Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops, available through October.
• Old Bakery Beer Co. (Alton) rolled out its Oktoberfest (5.7% ABV) with the social media note: “Happy Oktoberfest in July!”
• Shortleaf Brewing (Winghaven) teased its Festbier (6.0% ABV), asking fans about their choice of drinking vessel—stein, boot, mug, or something unique.
• Stubborn German Brewing Co. (Waterloo) keeps its Oktoberfest-style Stubbornfest (4.5% ABV) on tap year-round, using 100% German ingredients. “For many breweries, it’s a fall seasonal—but we think it should always be available,” says owner Chris Rahn.

Yet to Come: Fall Favorites

Several much-anticipated releases are still on the horizon:

• Civil Life Brewing Co. will roll out its malty, smooth Oktoberfest (5.1% ABV), a true nod to German brewing tradition.
• Main & Mill Brewing Co. (Festus) will release OktoberFestus (5.5% ABV), known for its rich, bready flavor and standout packaging.
• Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. will debut O-Katz (5.4% ABV), brewed by Bavarian-born brewmaster Florian Kuplent. This flagship Oktoberfest is known for its dry finish and subtle toasty malt character.

St. Louis beer lovers can expect the shelves and taps to be full of Oktoberfest choices well before the leaves change—proof that seasonal beer timing is as much about market space as it is about tradition.

Content for this summary was derived from original reporting by St. Louis Magazine